C.E.R.T.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is a National program designed to prepare Clackamas County residents to help themselves, their families and neighbors, in the event of a disaster. Self-Study Training guides provided by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) covers basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available.

Over the course, CERT members receive training in earthquake awareness, disaster fire suppression techniques, disaster medical operations, first aid/triage, light search and rescue as well as team organization and management. Initial CERT training concludes with a disaster simulation and comprehensive course review. CERT training events are taught by trained emergency service personnel, including firefighters and emergency medical services personnel, with an emphasis on hands-on practice.

CERT programs provide an effective first-response capability. Following a disaster, CERT teams can extinguish small fires, turn off gas inlets to damaged homes, perform light search and rescue and offer basic first-aid until professional response teams arrive and classes are open to anyone who lives or works in the area serviced by the Clackamas Fire District #1.

For more information on the CERT program, contact Emergency Manager Kevin Donegan, at 503-742-2685 (vCard) or visit the CERT website by clicking HERE